As we shovel our way through this winterís snow storms, I canít stress enough how important it is for homeowners and businesses to clear their sidewalks. This is not only an important common courtesy, this is the law. You can be fined if you are found to have not cleared your sidewalks and curb cuts. When you donít do your part, you make passage on sidewalks impossible for individuals using wheelchairs or who have mobility problems, such as the elderly. Letís work together to help keep one another safe. As we prepare for a potential storm this week, letís remember to get outside as soon as we can after the storm to clear our sidewalks and ensure that our neighbors can get around.

Christmas Tree Collection Continues

The Department of Public Works will be picking up Christmas trees this week along with your regular waste. Please make sure that the trees are placed beside the trash receptacles to ensure their proper disposal.

Downtown Crossing Tour with Senator Blumenthal

On Thursday, at 11:30 a.m. I will join U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal for a tour of New Havenís medical district and a discussion about Downtown Crossing. Our tour will end in a news conference at 300 George Street at 12 noon. As you will recall, in October, New Haven was awarded a highly competitive TIGER II grant of $16 million to begin Phase 1 of the Downtown Crossing project in the Route 34 corridor, creating 2,000 immediate construction jobs and 960 permanent jobs. The Downtown Crossing project will turn 11 acres of land downtown, currently occupied by the highway, into developable and taxable land to the Cityís benefit. Downtown Crossing will also reconnect neighborhoods and create opportunities for the expansion of New Havenís booming biotech industry.

Health Matters Tip

It's the beginning of the New Year and 2011 promises to be a healthy one! The tip for this week is: Don't skip breakfast. Skipping the first meal of the day leads to lower energy levels, decreased metabolism and weight gain. So before you rush out the door, take a minute to eat breakfast. Your body will be glad you did.

Mayorís Night Out is an important opportunity for me to visit the Cityís neighborhoods where I can speak with residents directly about concerns and needs. My entire department heads and coordinators join me at this event so that you can go directly to the source with any questions you may have about any City service.